Kortrijk: sparkling, active, lively, enchanting, utterly beautiful

Kortrijk

• The capital of the Leie region
• The Groeninge City, a title derived from the Battle of the Golden Spurs on 11 July 1302
• The city of Innovation, Creation and Design. Just to give a few examples: the Tack Tower, the Skatebowl and the Groeninge-bridge
• The city where you can re-live the rough middle ages through a visit to the rugged Broel Towers. Or admire the impressive Our Lady's Church and Saint Martin's Church
• The city where shopping is fun
• The city where you can enjoy the heritage of the past with unique UNESCO world heritage sites: the sober Beguinage and the delightful Belfry on the Grote Markt
• The city of culture with a beautifully renovated theatre, an arts centre, a concert club and excellently equipped meeting places
• The city on the Leie with its historic importance as centre of the flax industry

Kortrijk and its history

Ever since its origin as a Roman settlement cal

led Cortoriacum, Kortrijk has certainly had to endure a lot over the ages. Nevertheless, its inhabitants have survived numerous invasions and occupations with great dignity. No wonder that Kortrijk proudly calls itself the Groeninge City; a title taken from the Battle of the Golden Spurs on 11 July 1302. It was the

n, on the Groeninge fields, that amateur troops of lightly armed Flemish civilians defeated a heavily armoured cavalry of professional French knights considered unconquerable at that time. More than seven centuries later, this victory continues to be honoured by lots

of festivities. The Battle of the Golden Spurs, after all, was the foundation for the Flemish fight for liberation.

Kortrijk and its environs

Bruges (Brugge), about 50 kilometers from Kortrijk, 30 mins by train.

Known as the Venice of the North, Bruges is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

It was a justified motive that prompted UNESCO in 2000 to include the entire historical city centre on the World Heritage list. Walking along the maze of winding cobbled alleys and romantic canals, you imagine yourself to be in medieval times. The wealth of museums is a striking image of this city's stirring history.

Bruges is also home to contemporary culture, such as the new Concert Hall, which is one of the most prominent music complexes in Flanders.

The restaurants in Bruges which offer gastronomic cuisine and the exclusive hotels are a true feast for those who enjoy the good things in life.

Ghent (Gent), about 50 kilometers from Kortrijk, 30 mins by train.

Ghent is a historic city, yet at the same time a contemporary one. The modern daily life of the city’s active inhabitants plays itself out against a gorgeous historical backdrop. In Ghent, they live, work and enjoy life over and over again each day.

A couple enjoys the peace of an authentic beguinage. Parents and children stroll through the traffic-free streets of the city centre. A tourist snaps a photo of the three towers, as so many have before, but just a little differently. A businessman with an iPhone walks along the distinctive Graslei, crosses the Lys and enters his stylish four-star hotel hiding behind a medieval facade. Dozens of pavement cafes invite you to discover Ghent’s specialities. The sun is reflected in the many waterways. The city is alive and bids you welcome.